Wilsonville, Ore. — November 21, 2025 — The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) announced today that Mark Niemeyer has been unanimously selected by the Board of Directors to serve as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. Niemeyer, a long-time fire service leader with an extensive background in innovation, collaboration, and regional emergency response, will assume the role December 1st.
Jeremy Craft, WFCA Board President, said the decision reflected both confidence in Niemeyer and enthusiasm for the direction he will take the organization.
“Mark is an exceptional leader whose vision, integrity, and innovative mindset made this an incredibly easy unanimous decision,” Craft said. “He continuously pushes the fire service forward, and the Board could not be more confident in his ability to guide WFCA into its next chapter.”
Niemeyer succeeds former CEO Jeff Johnson, who now serves as WFCA’s Wireless Policy Advisor and Chief Emeritus. Johnson noted that Niemeyer’s selection reinforces the Association’s commitment to transformational leadership across the West.
“Mark has long demonstrated a unique ability to build and sustain partnerships that strengthen the fire service at every level,” Johnson said. “His experience and passion for tackling the West’s most complex challenges—especially those at the intersection of wildfire, technology, and public safety—make him the perfect leader for WFCA’s future.”
Niemeyer said he is humbled and energized by the opportunity to guide an organization that has played a significant role in his own development.
“I am deeply honored to lead an association that has given so much to me personally and professionally,” said Niemeyer. “The challenges Western fire chiefs and their staff face are complex, and I look forward to supporting those who lead and protect their communities every day.”
WFCA represents fire service leadership throughout the western United States to include Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam, and the Western Pacific Islands.
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